Edmonton is one of Canada’s most welcoming cities for newcomers and there are dozens of free or low-cost services to help you settle, learn, work, and thrive.
This guide collects the most reliable organizations, official resources, and community programs that every newcomer should know.
1. Free Newcomer Settlement Support
PASS Canada (Prairie Alliance for Settlement & Support)
Local support for housing, employment, documents, community connections, and family services.
👉 https://passcanada.org
Government of Canada – Settlement Services Finder
Search free services funded by IRCC.
👉 https://ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services
Alberta Settlement Services
Provincial supports for housing, employment, and benefits.
👉 https://www.alberta.ca/settlement-services
2. Free English Learning (ESL & LINC Classes)
LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Federally funded, 100% free.
👉 https://ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/language
NorQuest College – ESL Programs
Evening, part-time, and full-time options.
👉 https://www.norquest.ca/programs/esl.aspx
ECALA – Community English Programs
Free neighbourhood-based English classes.
👉 https://www.ecala.org/programs
Edmonton Public Library – Conversation Circles
Free weekly English practice.
👉 https://www.epl.ca/conversation-circles
3. Employment & Job-Readiness Support
Alberta Supports Centres
Resume help, job search help, training programs, and benefits.
👉 https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-supports
Government Job Bank
Canada’s largest job search platform.
👉 https://www.jobbank.gc.ca
Bredin Centre for Learning – Newcomer Employment Programs
Settlement employment, mentorship, and skills training.
👉 https://www.bredin.ca
Catholic Social Services – Immigration & Settlement
Employment workshops + job referrals.
👉 https://www.cssalberta.ca
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC)
Small business support + newcomer job programs.
👉 https://a4hc.ca
4. Housing Help & Community Supports
City of Edmonton – Housing & Homelessness Supports
Affordable housing locations, subsidized housing, and emergency help.
👉 https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/housing
Edmonton Housing Registry
Apply for affordable housing units.
👉 https://www.metishousing.ca/housing-registry
Boyle Street Community Services
Help for vulnerable newcomers requiring emergency support.
👉 https://www.boylestreet.org
Salvation Army – Community Programs
Clothing, food, transitional housing, emergency assistance.
👉 https://www.salvationarmy.ca/practical-assistance
5. Free Legal Support for Newcomers & Refugees
Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC)
Free legal advice for low-income immigrants.
👉 https://www.eclc.ca
Legal Aid Alberta
Support for immigration hearings, family issues, and more.
👉 https://www.legalaid.ab.ca
The Refugee Centre (Canada-wide guides)
Helpful legal info for newcomers:
👉 https://therefugeecentre.org
6. Health, Mental Health & Family Services
Alberta Health Care (AHCIP)
Register for free health coverage.
👉 https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-how-to-apply
Find a Family Doctor (Edmonton Zone)
👉 https://www.albertafindadoctor.ca
211 Alberta
Free 24/7 community hotline for mental health, food, housing, and crisis support.
👉 https://ab.211.ca
The Family Centre Edmonton
Counselling, parenting support, youth programs.
👉 https://www.familycentre.org
Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative (MCHB)
Support for newcomer mothers, seniors, and families.
👉 https://mchb.org
7. Youth & Children Services (Free & Low-Cost)
Edmonton Public Library – Free Youth Programs
Homework help, computer access, workshops.
👉 https://www.epl.ca/children
City of Edmonton Youth Programs
Recreation passes, community activities.
👉 https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/children-youth
Boys & Girls Club (BGCBigs)
Free after-school mentorship + youth leadership.
👉 https://www.bgcbigs.ca
8. Community Connections & Cultural Programs
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)
Community events, cultural programs, newcomer volunteering.
👉 https://www.eisa-edmonton.org
Action for Healthy Communities – Community Outreach
Neighbourhood community circles and cultural groups.
👉 https://a4hc.ca
City of Edmonton Multicultural Programs
Workshops, grants, and newcomer events.
👉 https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/programs-new-resident
9. Transportation & Getting Around Edmonton
ETS Bus & LRT System
Maps & real-time info:
👉 https://www.edmonton.ca/ets
Arc Card (public transit card)
Bike map + walking trails
👉 https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation
10. Important Government Services Every Newcomer Should Use
CRA – Canada Revenue Agency (Benefits & Taxes)
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html
Find All Government Newcomer Supports
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
Need Help Navigating All These Services? PASS Canada Can Support You
We make your settlement journey easier with:
✔ Step-by-step guidance
✔ Employment support
✔ Housing navigation
✔ English for Life classes
✔ Family services
✔ Youth programs
✔ Senior outreach
✔ Community connections
👉 Book a free appointment: https://passcanada.org/contact
👉 Visit us: 9424 & 9556 – 111 Ave NW, Edmonton
